Hollister
– As some Hollisterites left work early Friday, Naresh Kumar was
signing an invoice for extra cases of Red Bull at his 7-Eleven
location on San Benito Street.
Hollister – As some Hollisterites left work early Friday, Naresh Kumar was signing an invoice for extra cases of Red Bull at his 7-Eleven location on San Benito Street.
For Kumar, who has worked four straight Christmas and New Year’s days, it’s big business. A sign in the front window of the 7-Eleven store indicates it will be open both days.
“Somebody has to come,” Kumar said. “Big stores are closed in the afternoon. In previous years it doubles the sales.”
The doubled sales are expected to top $10,000, he said.
And Rick Nunez, of Hollister, may help contribute to that total. He said he is glad a store like 7-Eleven stays open for holidays.
“If I need something I can just come get it,” Nunez said. “I might forget to get something before Christmas.”
Kumar and the two em-ployees scheduled to work Christmas day are prepared for the rush. As one of the only places to buy food, drinks and other sundry essentials, 7-Eleven has stocked up on extras of everything, Kumar said.
“At night there’s a lot of beer sales,” Kumar said. “During the day, holiday things.”
Holiday purchases include eggs, bread and lots of whipped cream, Kumar said. He pointed to the free 7-Eleven lotto envelopes with a red ornament on their cover sitting near the register.
“Most holiday people buy scratchers for their family,” Kumar said.
And Kumar’s family, and the five extended families coming to Hollister to celebrate Christmas with them, won’t miss him completely. The same goes for the two employees scheduled.
“Everybody will work in rotation,” Kumar said. “Everybody will get off time.”
The store is open 24 hours and will have someone scheduled Christmas Eve through Christmas Day, Kumar said. On Christmas Day employees will work for three to four hours and then receive a break.
“We are hoping for the best,” Kumar said. “It’s busy but it’s good. There are no problems.”
Down the street in Hollister’s north gateway, Quik Stop clerk Phil Caltabiano confirmed just how busy it can get for convenience stores on a holiday.
“After 5 or 6pm all the restaurants are closed around here,” he said. “It’s only us and the Quik Stop on the other side of town.”
Caltabiano is not working Christmas this year but did work Thanksgiving. He said there was a steady stream of cars lining up for gasoline.
Kumar has seen that rush at his location every year. As customers came in to buy coffee, milk or soda Friday morning, he wished them an early merry Christmas.
“Seven eleven,” said Kumar as he charged a customer. “It’s a good price.”
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected].
